Sweet, sweet Singapore

With its dazzling festivals and array of flavours, Singapore’s unique blend of modern-day Asia makes it definitely worth the visit, says PRASANTI NAICKER

Singapore presents a microcosm of the whole of South-East Asia, and one of the many magnificent things about this country is the endless amount of options one has when it comes down to exploring.

It is one of the smallest island countries in Asia and yet there are so many things to do, see and celebrate — not forgetting the sweet smell of frangipani flowers all over the city and the taste adventures that beckon.

ShoppingFrom personal experience, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise for the budget traveller, yet still offers a refreshing mix of cutting-edge emerging labels and international luxury brands. Shopping definitely ranks as one of the city’s major attractions and whether it’s the famous Boogies Street, Far East Plaza, Sony Centre or the beautiful Orchid Road, goods all over the world can be found at your convenience.

The best part for all the men out there is that you won’t have to spend ages waiting for the ladies while they shop because Singapore is geared towards boys who love toys. It has all the latest technological gadgets at very competitive prices.

For the hard core shopaholics, get down to the Mustafa Centre which is open 24 hours/day.

SightseeingExplore Singapore the tranquil way by cruising the famous Singapore River on a traditional Chinese boat. If time is of the essence, Hippo tours offer an open-topped bus trip, which is another great option. Or try the fastest and cheapest way to travel, by the underground subway.

Whatever your means of travel are, one must explore the various ethnic districts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, the former sultans palace now converted into a heritage museum showcasing the history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community.

With its friendly and welcoming people, state of the art infrastructure and something new happening every day, Singapore is ideal for a family outing too. Attractions include the world’s largest observation wheel – the Singapore flyer – as well as the famous night safari at the Singapore Zoo.

The Singapore Botanical Gardens are showered with a vast amount of exotic orchids amongst an array of other plant species.

And let’s not forget a luscious visit to Sentosa Island which can be reached from Singapore mainland via a short boat ride or cable car. Sentosa is a recreational resort with dozens of exciting attractions: interactive presentations, manicured gardens, enchanting evening shows and, gentlemen, two challenging international 18-hole golf courses where you can even tee-off at night under flood lights.

Dive with the Sharks at the Underwater World and meet a world of sea creatures including the rare dugong, or sea cow. Even non-certified divers can take part in this fun-filled activity.

FoodClark Quay is defiantly the 24-hour hotspot of food and entertainment in Singapore. This party district has over 30 restaurants, bars and nightclubs ensuring something for everyone. This is a place that will beckon you to just let your hair down, and party the night away.

For an unforgettable lip-smacking experience savour seafood in true Singaporean style; tantalizing chili crab, black pepper lobster, butter prawns and the fiery fish head curry served the local way with rice on a banana leaf. The best way to enjoy this feast is eating with your hands and cooling off those spices with sweet and tropical desserts like Chendol – a combination of sweet red beans, sweet green pea, coconut milk, palm syrup and topped with crashed ice. Or try Ice Kachang made with sweetcorn, glass jelly, palm seeds more crushed ice topped with pandan syrup and rose syrup. My ultimate favourite dessert has to be pandan cake, made from pandan leaves. This soft, chiffon-textured cake decked in desiccated coconut is so divine that I actually finished a whole one myself (it was that good).

FestivalsSingapore, with its unique blend of rich cultures, happily customises all the religious festivals celebrated by its many diverse cultural groups. Since the majority of the population is Chinese it’s no surprise one of the biggest festivals in Singapore is the Chinese New Year. This festival is celebrated with traditional dances and acrobatics, the famous Chinese dragons, a night market, and a beautiful skyline of fireworks.

Now if you happen to be in Singapore during the period of June/July be sure to head down to Bedok Reservoir to catch the Dragon Boat Festival. Participants compete in beautifully-decorated dragon boats which speed through the water, while the invigorating drums and gongs beat in the background and the crowd cheers for glory.

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